WASHINGTON – In a win for Maine manufacturing jobs, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) determined in an initial ruling last week that Chinese manufacturers have been illegally dumping amorphous silica fiber (ASF) into the marketplace, unfairly undercutting Auburn Manufacturing (AMI), an employer of 48 Mainers. The International Trade Administration (ITA) ruled to impose provisional duties to combat against these illegal subsidies. This ruling in favor of provisional duties is an encouraging sign that the DOC and ITA will continue to pursue these illegal trade practices from Chinese companies that are unfairly competing with manufacturers in Maine. Congressman Poliquin released the following statement:

“For the dozens of workers at Auburn Manufacturing, and the thousands more manufacturing jobs across our State, this is an important step in protecting our industries against unfair and illegal trade,” said Congressman Poliquin. “Unfair and illegal trade has harmed and threatened countless jobs in our State for the past few decades. This is a win for these Maine jobs.”